Not so long ago, only banks and traditional insurance companies offered financial or insurance products, yet today it may often seem as if even the local corner shop is offering financial products. That's not quite true, of course, but many more companies do offer financial products than used to be the case, and it can sometimes be difficult to decide who is offering the best deal.

And, while Marks & Spenser once offered mostly fashion products, with the only hint of a credit card being when you paid for your shopping at the checkout, today you'll find as good a deal on M&S credit cards as you will with the latest range of M&S fashion.

In fact, these days Marks&Spencer, through its M&S Money Direct website, offer a range of financial products which would not look out of place in many banks, including M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, savings products, M&S Credit Cards, M&S Loans, and much more besides.

There are lots of ways to save money using M&S Money Direct. Not least of these is Marks & Spencers Standard Motor Insurance. With M&S Money Direct you can keep the cost of your Motor Insurance down by choosing Standard cover, over Premier Cover. UK Vehicle can then be added to your policy as optional extras, if you wanted to.

If you're thinking of adding both Breakdown Cover and Motor Legal Protection, then it would cost less to upgrade to Premier Motor Insurance cover from M&S Money Direct, which also has other features.

Nonetheless, many features are standard to both the Premier and the Standard Motor Insurance policies on offer from Marks & Spensers, and these include: Courtesy car (subject to availability); Loss, theft, damage and destruction of vehicle; Loss or damage to personal property in vehicle; Personal accident cover up to £10,000; Windscreen cover (£75 excess); a 24 hour claims service, and many other options as standard on each policy. In short, with Motor Insurance from M+S Money, you get more, and you pay less.

When you're shopping at Marks & Spensers online store for your summer outfit, or looking for furniture to give your home a makeover, then spend a moment to also consider products from M&S Money Direct. Offering everything from savings accounts and credit cards, to Buildings Insurance and Motor Insurance, there's a lot more going on at Mark's & Spencer than you might imagine.

In particular, if you're thinking of travelling soon, then consider Travel Insurance from M&S Money Direct. With images of volcano ash still fresh in many traveller's minds, it's good to remember there were many travellers who ended up wishing they had spent just a few pounds extra to obtain travel insurance for their trip. Of course, unfortunately, after the event is too late!

In fact, had you purchased travel insurance from M&S Money Direct, you would have been in good hands; within just a short time of the volcanic ash disruptions, visitors to the M&S Money Direct website would have seen a message stating that although claims relating to volcanic eruptions are not normally covered by travel insurance, that on this particular occasion, they would "allow claims from UK customers affected by the volcanic ash that has recently grounded flights."

Cotton Rich Embroidered Corduroy Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
Stylish and versatile, these comfortable cotton rich cords can be worn smart or casual. A practical easycare choice

Per Una Pure Linen Slick Sailor Trousers, at Marks and Spencer
A relaxed pair of wide leg trousers in pure linen featuring an on the waist design and twin button detail

Schoolwear Plus Fit 3 Easycare Long Sleeve Blouses, at MarksandSpencer
This 3 pack of larger sized easycare long sleeve blouses is outstanding value. Reinforced seams give extra strength and durability View Plus Schoolwear Size Guide. Find out more

Touch Table Lamp, at M+S
Fabric shade Touch and glow feature M&S is a member of the WEEE Distributor Take Back Scheme. Recycling your electronic waste has never been easier! Click here for more information This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Château Domeyne 2001 - Case of 6, at Marks and Spencer
Style: Medium bodied Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc Country of origin: France Closure: Natural cork Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13% vol. Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

T-Bar Sunglasses, at Marks & Spencer
These elegantly understated sunglasses will never go out of style. A fabulously versatile summer essential

Criss Cross Body Shaper Tights, at Marks and Spencer
Look your best in that special outfit! These diamond design bodyshaper tights lift and shape your curves to give a more defined silhouette.

Cashmilon™ Long Sleeve Jumper, at Mark's & Spencer
Fashionable and flattering, this plain jumper is made from supersoft cashmilon™ and features long sleeves

2 Fairtrade Organic Cotton Elephant All-in-One Suits with Socks, at Marks & Spencer
These cute all-in-ones are made from soft, comfy Fairtrade cotton. We buy the cotton at a fair price from small-scale farmers around the world. The extra income raised enables them to invest in their own communities, like providing wells for clean water and improving healthcare facilities

Pure Silk Geometric Print Lightweight Scarf, at Marks&Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk stripe design scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

Large Tear Drop Glass Vase, at M&S
Narrow neck Teardrop design Mirrored effect Narrow base Hand made, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Collection Paisley Print Skirt, at Marks and Spencers
Elegant and feminine, this printed skirt is cut to drape beautifully and flatter your figure. The lovely colours in the print coordinate perfectly with the plain tops in the Classic range, making it easy to put stylish outfits together

Dine In Dozen - Case of 12, at Marks and Spencers
2 Domaine Mandeville Sauvignon Blanc 2007: A fruity Sauvignon Blanc from the South of France, with juicy citrus and gooseberry flavours, finishing on a fresh, crisp note... 2 Ctes du Rhne Blanc 2008: With its appealing aromas of honeysuckle and baked pears, this soft and gently spicy white is classic Ctes du Rhne at a fantastically affordable price... 2 Macon Villages 2007: A fresh and fruity white made from 100% Chardonnay, with a really appealing, lively scent of apples and lemons and a hint of ripe, rounded peach on the finish... 2 Chteau de Balan Bordeaux 2006: A very well balanced claret with an aroma of blackcurrants and a hint of chocolate... 2 Domaine Mandeville Shiraz 2007: This is a beautifully smooth, ripe, flavour-packed, single estate French red... 2 Ctes du Rhne rouge 2007: With its bright cherry flavours and floral, savoury scents, this is a scrumptious modern-style Ctes du Rhne... You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

The Floral Collection Lavender Soap, at Marks and Spencer
3 x 75g Lavender scented Added moisturisers

Blue Harbour Luxury Pure Cotton Bold Stripe Shirt, at Marks & Spensers
Soft, comfortable and very stylish, this luxury shirt is made with fantastic attention to detail

Portfolio Pure Silk Contrast Border Lightweight Scarf, at Marks & Spencer
Add a luxurious finishing touch to your look with this elegant pure silk contrast border scarf. The perfect accessory to this season's styles

2 Pairs of 10 Denier Shaping Matt Tights, at Marks & Spencers
Complete with added stretch for shape retention and essential comfort. These simply outstanding tights are a terrific option for ensuring your legs look and feel their everyday best

Black Glass Photo Frame (4 x 6), at Marks and Spencer
Black glass design Dimensions: 4 x 6, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Alnwick Floor & Table Lamp Set, at Marks & Spenser
Pack of 2 Square base Brushed chrome finish Double stem design Floor lamp: H143.5 x W34 x D20cm Floor lamp: Bulb: 100W ES GLS Table lamp: H60.5 x W28 x D18cm Table lamp: Bulb: 60W ES GLS This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more , Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Classic Collection 3/4 Sleeve Paisley Print Blouse, at Marks & Spencer
Feminine and pretty, this 3/4 sleeve paisley print blouse will give your look an instant lift. It looks lovely worn with plain skirts or trousers in coordinating colours from the Classic Collection

3 Big & Tall Authentic RealCool Cotton™ Keyhole Trunks, at Marks & Spencers
Specially designed to keep you cool and dry, this high performance fabric ensures perspiration is drawn away from the body for rapid evaporation. Soft seams and added stretch create a snug, comfortable fit

Autograph Monroe Bedstead with TV Option, at Marks & Spencer
Headboard H102cm, endboard H96cm, underbed H13cm Double: W144 x L246cm King: W159 x L256cm Super king: W189 x L256cm Upholstered with real leather Mattress sold separately Designed for use with M&S 26'' and 32'' TVs and Sony Bravia 32'' 3000S & 3000D. Maximum TV depth: 115mm. Other makes and models may not attach to the rise/fall mechanism TV and DVD player sold separately Scart leads sold separately (5m lead recommended) TV requires a 3-plug extension lead to connect to fixed plug socket. Extension lead sold separately. (5m lead recommended) TV requires an aerial cable to connect to the aerial socket in the room. Aerial lead sold separately Free eco-friendly delivery to your home. Our crews will unpack, assemble and position the item Delivered flatpack due to size This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more Access to scart sockets is hindered by the rise/fall mechanism of this bed. M&S recommends that customers have 2 scart leads available for installation by the delivery team in case a DVD player or cable TV box is desired at a later date Customers should consider the position of TV aerial connections and power source in the room, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Pure Cotton Broiderie Vest Top, at Marks n Spencer
This sleeveless vest top will make a useful addition to your wardrobe. It features a pretty lace trim for a stylish casual look

North Coast Pure Cotton Jeans, at Marks & Spencers
Relaxed and casual, these straight leg jeans are made for comfort and ease of movement

The High Waist Bootleg Trousers, at Marks & Spenser
Keep the fashion focus on the waistline with these modern bootleg trousers. Styled for an enviable hourglass silhouette, they feature two button fastening. To dress them up, tuck in a pretty blouse and add heels

Sony KDL-55X4500 55" HD Ready 1080 Bravia LCD TV, at Marks and Spencers
HD Ready 1080p: HD 1080p compatible to display High Definition signals in breathtaking quality, i.e. Playstation 3, Blu-ray, etc. HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) delivers crystal-clear, digital audio and video signals using a single cable. 1080p is the maximum resolution defined for HDTV use Display: 55 inch LCD TV, 6.2 Mega Pixels Contrast ratios: Dynamic contrast over 1,000,000:1 Integrated Digital and Cable Tuner Provides access to all Freeview™ terrestrial digital channels and radio stations (subject to coverage in your area) and is cable TV ready (with supported providers only) Dimensions: With table stand W148.6 x H85.5 x D35.6, Without table stand W148.6 x H80.3 x D14.7 Weight: Weight including stand 54kg, Weight without stand 47.5kg S-Force Pro Front Surround: Gives you virtual surround sound from just two front speakers Connections: Digital Audio Output (optical) x1, HDMI™ Inputs x4, HDMI™ PC Signal Capability, PC Input (15pin D-Sub) + Audio In, Component Inputs, Composite Video In, USB 2.0 Input, MiniJack (Head/Earphone) 3.5mm, PCMCIA Card Slot, RCA Audio Out, RF In, Scart Inputs (RGB) x2, BRAVIA Sync, DLNA Ethernet (Music/Photo), Digital Media Port BRAVIA Engine 2 PRO: Experience incredibly clear and defined images with BRAVIA ENGINE 2 picture enhancement technology and Advanced Contrast Enhancer Live Colour Creation with x.v.Colour: Uses a larger colour palette to produce vibrant colour like nature intended it to be seen 24p True Cinema: Shows films at 24 frames per second, just like a real cinema BRAVIA Theatre Sync: Synchronises your Sony theatre system so it can be operated by the press of a single button M&S is a member of the WEEE Distributor Take Back Scheme. Recycling your electronic waste has never been easier! Click here for more information Please Note: Freeview™ is not yet available to the whole of the UK. We advise that you check that your postcode area can receive the Freeview signal before ordering this product Please Note: To receive the full range of Freeview™ channels, customers should use an outdoor wide band aerial. Suitable portable TV aerials can be used to receive Freeview but the quality of the reception is dependent on the quality of the product and the signal area. Due to these factors you may not receive all Freeview channels when using an indoor aerial Use wall mount T042104 to perfectly mount this TV, Manufacturer: Marks & Spencer

Hunter's Pinot Noir 2006 - Case of 6, at Marks&Spencer
Style: Dry Grape variety: 100% Pinot Noir Country of origin: New Zealand Closure: Screw Cap Suitable for vegetarians Bottle: 6 x 75cl. Alcohol by volume: 13.0 % vol Alcohol units per bottle: 9.8 Alcohol units per 125ml: 1.6 Contains Sulphites You must be 18 or over to purchase this product This product is not available for international delivery. Find out more

Large Dan's Mouse Balloons Husband Birthday Card, at Marks and Spencer
Cover Text: To my lovely Husband Inside Message: With love on your birthday! Approx size: 220 x 220mm

Strappy Lace Front Vest, at Marks n Spencer
Pretty and feminine, this strappy vest features a lace front design. The soft fabric gives a comfortable flattering fit

7 Pure Cotton Plain Sleeveless Bodysuits, at Marks & Spencer
Soft, pretty and machine washable, these bodysuits are a perfect buy for your newborn

Shopping for financial products at M&S Money Direct UK website is just as simple as shopping for fashion or furniture at the Mark's & Spencer online store. Here are just some of the financial products which can be purchased via the M&S Money Direct website:

• M&S Insurance: M&S Motor Insurance, M&S Buildings Insurance, M&S Life Insurance, M&S Wedding Insurance, M&S Pet Insurance, M&S Travel Insurance
• M&S Credit Cards: M&S Credit Card, M&S Premium Club Card
• M&S Loans: M&S Car Buying Plan, M&S Personal Loans
• M&S Money: M&S Travel Money for your trips abroad
• M&S Savings: M&S Everyday Savings Account, M&S Fixed Rate Savings, M&S Stocks & Shares ISA, M&S Cash ISA, M&S Unit Trust

Of course, many of these types of product can be purchased elsewhere too; however, once you begin to take a closer look at the products from MarksandSpencer, it's easy to see that these are good financial products, at value-for-money prices.

And, just as importantly, contacting M&S Money Direct in the event of a query, or an insurance claim, is as easy as picking up the phone, or visiting the M&S Money Direct website.